Justification:
Listed as Endangered because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be less than 1,263 km2, all individuals are in at least two threat-defined locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in southwestern Ethiopia.

This species is endemic to Ethiopia, where it is currently known from only two areas (the vicinity of Bonga, and Godare) at 820-1,800 m asl, in the southwestern region of the country. It could be more widespread, especially in the intervening area, although this needs to be verified with additional surveys (D. Gower pers. comm. June 2012). Taking its range as a proxy, its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 1,263 km2. It is known to occur in at least two broadly defined threat locations, but possibly up to six such locations; however, for the purposes of this assessment, a precautionary approach has been adopted towards the definition of these locations (S. Loader and A. Mengistu pers.comm. June 2012).

It appeared to be relatively common at the type locality in 1971; additional surveys in 2009 confirmed this (S. Loader pers. comm. June 2012). Its population is not considered to be severely fragmented.

It is found in tropical deciduous forest and on forest edges (Largen 2001), breeding amongst herbaceous vegetation surrounding pools in forest clearings. It has also been found in coffee plantations and other moderately modified secondary habitats. For breeding it requires emergent vegetation in marshy pools, at least some of which are likely to become dry for part of the year.

The major threat is ongoing habitat loss due to selective logging, human settlement, and small-scale and large-scale agricultural encroachment (including coffee plantations). Chytrid fungus occurs in high prevalence in amphibians in highland Ethiopia and has been detected on this species, although its impact is not known (Gower et al. 2012).

It is found in the UNESCO-MAB Kafa Biosphere Reserve, but is not currently known from any other protected areas (S. Loader pers. comm. September 2012). There is a need for improved habitat protection at sites where this species is known to occur. More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status and natural history, and the potential effects of chytrid fungus on its population.